Category Archives: Learning resources

Homology, analogy and metaphor. Science in Society 5.

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Reading ‘Much scientific argument and hypothesis-making proceeds through the use of analogy and metaphor’. Steven Rose. To help us understand a scientific process we often liken it to something we’re already familiar with. We use homology, analogy and metaphor. A … Continue reading →

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Paradigm shift. Science in Society 4

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Paradigm shift: the Earth moves away from the centre In Europe 500 years ago, the established paradigm of 2,000 years was built on common sense ideas about the Earth and its place in the universe. This paradigm was summed up by … Continue reading →

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How we do science. Science in Society 3

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Readings Developing and testing scientific explanations When we make observations we may propose a theory which accounts for them. We judge theories on the basis of the match between their predictions and what we observe. An observation is often explained … Continue reading →

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Science and Poetry. Science in Society 2

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Readings Peter Atkins ‘Although poets may aspire to understanding, their talents are more akin to entertaining self-deception. They may be able to emphasise delights in the world, but they are deluded if they and their admirers believe that their identification … Continue reading →

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AS Science in Society: course outline and link to resources

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

AS Science in Society (AQA) Why study AS Science in Society? Science in Society is a distinctive post-16 course. Its main intention is to develop the knowledge and skills that you need in order to grapple with issues related to … Continue reading →

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Is doubt the origin of wisdom? Science in Society 1

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Science as a ‘doubt factory’ “Doubt is the first step towards knowledge” Aristotle “Doubt is the key to knowledge” Persian proverb “By doubting we come to inquiry; by inquiry we perceive the truth” Peter Abelard “Dubitum sapientiae initium” (“Doubt is … Continue reading →

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How to choose a sixth form

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

During year 11 you are free to apply to any sixth form you want, whether it’s a sixth form college, further education college or school sixth form. If your own school has a sixth form, there is absolutely no requirement … Continue reading →

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Science in poetry

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Eddie Playfair

Sidereus Nuncius* I have seen two-horned Venus Travelling gently in the sky. I have seen valleys and mountains on the Moon, Saturn with its three bodies; I, Galileo, first among humans, Have seen four stars circle around Jupiter, The Milky Way … Continue reading →

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